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Monday, April 10, 2006
Cebu business group howls vs. illegal aliens
By Linette C. Ramos
CEBU CITY -- Protesting against the unfair competition, local business owners sought the help of the Cebu City Council in taking action against foreign entrepreneurs who are operating illegally.
The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) appealed to the council to act on the complaints of Cebuano business owners, specifically against foreign retailers in the downtown area, some of whom are not paying taxes.
CCCI immediate past president Roberto Go said the City Government should look into the matter since the presence of foreign retailers and wholesalers threatens legitimate businesses.
He added that overstaying aliens "who cannot even speak English and Cebuano" are brazenly operating retail businesses without business permits and without paying government fees.
The retailers also sell imported goods at very low prices, even lower than its export price at the port of origin.
"This unfair situation needs a closer look since their merchandising might just be a cover-up for their illegal businesses. Legal and registered businesses are disadvantaged in our own backyard since they pay all taxes, and therefore unfairly compete with those who are illegally operating," Go said in a letter to the council.
During the council session last Wednesday, some councilors agreed that some retail stores owned by foreigners jeopardize those owned by legitimate Cebuano businessmen.
Untaxed
Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera affirmed the complaints of CCCI and said the City should do something to address it.
"We already conducted an operation in Colon area, we checked their permits and if they were updated in their tax payments and we found out a number have not paid the necessary taxes," she told her colleagues.
The council noted Go's complaints and will pass a resolution soon asking the City Treasurer's Office to immediately act on the matter.
Go fears the difficulties of local retailers in the downtown area will worsen since those who were apprehended in shopping districts in Manila have found their way to Cebu.
"This only adds to the hardships of local businessmen, some of whom have already shut down their businesses. It is sad that the local retail scene has been overtaken by unscrupulous foreigners, which results to the demise of productive business enterprises," he said.
The Local Government Code, which empowers cities to collect business taxes within their jurisdiction, also lists investment support as one of the most important services cities can provide. (Sun.Star Cebu) |
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